8 ways to save money on your cruise

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Cruises are often presented as an affordable way to travel. After all, the accommodation, the transport, the food and most activities are generally included.

But that doesn’t mean your spending ends there. Cocktails, port adventures, spa treatments and more cocktails all add up.

Here are the best ways to save money on your cruise holiday.

Do your own shore excursion

Your cruise will probably offer its own tours of the ports you’re visiting. However these tours often cost more and you might not have as much freedom to explore what interests you.

The solution? Book your own shore excursion or explore on your own.

Just make sure you’re back to the ship on time!

Buy a drinks package

A mojito here, a champagne there; cocktails and drinks will add up if you’re not careful. But if you have a good idea of how much you’ll drink, a drinks package could be a way to cap and hopefully cut costs. You can usually purchase soft drinks packages or packages catering to those who prefer wine, cocktails or beers.

It’s a good idea to also keep an eye out for special offers on these as you may be able to pick up a great deal.

And make the most of your alcohol allowance

A lot of travellers don’t know this: you can bring a certain amount of alcohol on board with you. It depends on the cruise, but it’s a good idea to make the most of this.

Or keep an eye out for specials

Don’t think you’ll drink enough to make the most of a drinks package? You should keep an eye out for drinks specials.

Some cruises will offer things like beer buckets, where you buy four bottles and get the fifth one free. Happy hour specials or drinks of the day can also shave dollars off.

And if you bought a bottle of wine to have with dinner, don’t stress if you don’t finish it. On most cruises, staff will save it for you if you ask.

Be strategic about your spa treatments

That perfectly relaxing spa treatment can cost a pretty penny. In fact, cruise liners’ spa treatments can rival luxury spa prices on land.

However if you book a treatment for a port day, you could save up to 30 per cent on the price. And if you’re smart, you’ll book a time, like late afternoon or early morning, which won’t cut into your port time.

Disconnect

Think of your holiday as a holiday from everything, including social media.

Yep – turn it off. Cruise wifi can be exorbitant and really, how much do you need it?

Instead, save your surfing for the days when you’re at port. You might be able to find some free wifi and mobile reception.

Do your own washing

Cruises will offer to do your washing for you, but as with most things – this can come with a hefty price tag. Instead, seek out the self-service laundrettes and do your own.

Look for restaurant specials

While meals are generally included on most cruises, dinner at the fancier restaurants often isn’t.

Save on that Japanese feast or steak meal by looking for specials. Some restaurants may offer perks like a bottle of wine to those who eat there on the first night while others may have cheaper prices for lunch sittings.

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